Port Harcourt, Nigeria – April 16, 2025
A Nigerian Catholic priest, Father Chinaka Justin Mbaeri, has publicly condemned a recent sermon by Pastor David Ibiyeomie of Salvation Ministries, describing it as a misrepresentation of Christian doctrine.
Pastor Ibiyeomie, whose mega-church is based in Port Harcourt, stirred nationwide controversy after a clip of his sermon went viral. In the video, the popular preacher claimed that “Jesus Christ never visited the house of any poor person,” a statement that sparked widespread criticism and debate across social and religious circles.
Responding via a Facebook post, Father Mbaeri denounced the statement as part of the “prosperity gospel” — a religious doctrine that links faith with wealth and material success. According to the priest, such teachings distort the true essence of the Gospel and overlook the central message of humility, compassion, and service to the poor.
“To suggest that Jesus avoided the homes of the poor is not only theologically inaccurate but also contradicts the spirit of the Gospels,” Father Mbaeri stated. “Christ associated with the lowly, dined with sinners, healed the sick, and uplifted the downtrodden. His ministry was deeply rooted in love for the marginalized.”
The rebuttal has fueled ongoing discussions about the influence of prosperity preaching in Nigeria’s religious landscape, with many urging religious leaders to emphasize scriptural accuracy and social responsibility.
While Pastor Ibiyeomie has not issued a formal response to the backlash, the debate continues to gain momentum online, with many Nigerians calling for a return to teachings that reflect the core values of Christianity.
The Catholic priest concluded his post by urging Christians to read the Bible personally and prayerfully, warning against blindly accepting messages that prioritize material wealth over spiritual truth.